September-October 2019

Trade, Sports & Professional Associations

Breaking barriers: In a changing profession, what is the impact of the Uniform Bar Examination?

By Robert J. Derocher

In our more mobile and tech-fueled world, many people enjoy increased flexibility in choosing where they live and work. That’s true for many lawyers, who are licensed in multiple jurisdictions and may routinely cross state borders. As the legal profession becomes more regional and less state-specific, what challenges remain and what important questions must be answered? And how does this change the role that bar associations have traditionally played? In a new series called “Breaking Barriers,” Bar Leader will look at the ways state borders are becoming more permeable—and what that means for bars. In this issue, we explore the Uniform Bar Examination and some of its implications.